The Barnes & Noble ReviewFans of Tamora Pierce's stellar saga about Alanna of Trebond can now get all four books one boxed set!

Packaged together for the first time, the Song of the Lioness quartet is the adventurous story of one girl's journey to overcome the obstacles facing her, become a valiant knight, and save Tortall from conquest. Alanna douses her female identit

The Barnes & Noble ReviewFans of Tamora Pierce's stellar saga about Alanna of Trebond can now get all four books one boxed set!

Packaged together for the first time, the Song of the Lioness quartet is the adventurous story of one girl's journey to overcome the obstacles facing her, become a valiant knight, and save Tortall from conquest. Alanna douses her female identity to begin her training in Alanna: The First Adventure, and when she gains squire status in In the Hand of the Goddess, her growing abilities make her a few friends -- and many enemies. Books 3 and 4 complete Alanna's adventure and secure her legend, with the new knight errant taking on desert tribesmen in The Woman Who Rides like a Man and seeking out the powerful Dominion Jewel in Lioness Rampant.

A must-read for Pierce's loyal followers and a perfect starting point for readers not yet familiar with her work, this boxed set is fantasy writing at its best. Pierce's gifted writing -- and her knack for creating heroines unafraid to challenge the status quo -- shines brightly in this Lioness set, taking it to the highest ranks, just like Alanna herself. Shana Taylor

Community Reviews

At the risk of sounding TOO enthusiastic, this series changed my life. The heroine, Alanna, is one of my favorite characters, from any book. Alanna is a girl who wants to become a knight, except that girls aren't allowed. So she disguises herself as a boy and sets out to become one anyway. Alanna is an incredible character. When I was younger, I basically wanted to be her when I grew up. She's stubborn, determined, and incredibly brave, but also human--she makes mistakes, she has struggles, andAt the risk of sounding TOO enthusiastic, this series changed my life. The heroine, Alanna, is one of my favorite characters, from any book. Alanna is a girl who wants to become a knight, except that girls aren't allowed. So she disguises herself as a boy and sets out to become one anyway. Alanna is an incredible character. When I was younger, I basically wanted to be her when I grew up. She's stubborn, determined, and incredibly brave, but also human--she makes mistakes, she has struggles, and she's not always sure of herself.

The series has a host of memorable characters, with new ones arriving in later books as well. A couple of favorites include Prince Jonathan, every girl's dream of a handsome and charming prince, and George Cooper, the roguish and equally charming King of Thieves.

They all live in a world of swordplay and tournaments that is nevertheless grounded and believable--swing a sword around too long and you'll have sore muscles. They also live in a world of magic. Alanna possesses the Gift, which she can use for various spells, some practical and some dramatic. There is also an entire pantheon of gods who occasionally step into mortal affairs.

The books are funny, exciting, engaging...amazing.

And they changed my life. I'm a firm believer that a girl can do anything a boy can do, that women have the same rights as men, and that we all ought to be equal, whether in pay rates or in who cleans the house. I'm sure a lot of that belief comes from my parents, especially my mom, but I think reading about Alanna at a young age helped!...more

This four-in-one volume book contains Tamora Pierce's books featuring Alanna of Torbald, a girl who dreams of becoming a knight. She sets out at a young age to meet her destiny, disguising herself as a boy in order to learn how to live the life she knows she is meant to live, and eventually lives proudly and confidently as a lady knight.

Alanna's story is fast-moving, exciting, and well-told. One reason I don't like to read many books in a series format is that there are always pages or even chapThis four-in-one volume book contains Tamora Pierce's books featuring Alanna of Torbald, a girl who dreams of becoming a knight. She sets out at a young age to meet her destiny, disguising herself as a boy in order to learn how to live the life she knows she is meant to live, and eventually lives proudly and confidently as a lady knight.

Alanna's story is fast-moving, exciting, and well-told. One reason I don't like to read many books in a series format is that there are always pages or even chapters needed to re-tell in subsequent books what happened in earlier ones. But here Ms. Pierce manages to weave necessary information into the stories without creating that 'Time Out While We Flashback' feeling that can be so annoying.

I think Alanna is a good example of a role model for girls who need to be able to believe in themselves, even when they know they are different from everyone around them. It is not always easy to live your own life, follow your own guiding star. The temptation to follow the herd, to be a sheep, is strong. But it is infinitely more rewarding to discover our own inner Lioness, to become who we are meant to be. This is what Alanna learned. I hope all young women can learn the same thing. ...more

i enjoyed reading these, but found the main character very shallow in her some of her choices. Tamora Pierce is haled (not sure if i spelled this correctly) as a feminist and a good author for young women to read. But, if being a feminist means that you pick your 'partners' in your teens and more than one before considering marriage, i don't agree. it was almost like that aspect was put in abstractly with no other purpose than to push the author's feminist views. The first of these books are rati enjoyed reading these, but found the main character very shallow in her some of her choices. Tamora Pierce is haled (not sure if i spelled this correctly) as a feminist and a good author for young women to read. But, if being a feminist means that you pick your 'partners' in your teens and more than one before considering marriage, i don't agree. it was almost like that aspect was put in abstractly with no other purpose than to push the author's feminist views. The first of these books are rated for 9 yrs and up--my children will not be reading these for awhile....more

StephanieI read this series when I was young (and really enjoyed it), but I can't remember exactly how old I was. I was probably older than nine because I wasI read this series when I was young (and really enjoyed it), but I can't remember exactly how old I was. I was probably older than nine because I was old enough to understand that a lot of people live that way, but it doesn't make it okay. Coincidentally, a friend and I were just talking about how many books are mislabeled for children or young adults.

This has been one of those childhood favorites that I have been afraid to revisit because I'm afraid it won't live up to my memories. :)...more
Jun 08, 2009 07:25AM

Rebeccai realized that i should have said that my children will not be reading these for awhile. there is a point sometime that they probably will-at least ti realized that i should have said that my children will not be reading these for awhile. there is a point sometime that they probably will-at least the girls. it is sad how many books are for children/YA but really shouldn't be....more
Jun 09, 2009 02:19PM

JudyFeminism is the right to choose without bowing to other people's traditions of what's morally right for your own body. Sound's fine to me.
Feb 20, 2013 11:07AM

As with many things, I experienced Alanna's story much more throroughly and clearly the second time. I was around twelve years old when I first read these colorful novels, and they did much to shape my teen years and, I expect, the rest of my days. My opinions have shifted, as comes with my growingly critical mind. I now favor George over Jonathan, and see new depths and faults in Alanna's character development that before I blindly accepted. I now see why my friends often complained of its blaAs with many things, I experienced Alanna's story much more throroughly and clearly the second time. I was around twelve years old when I first read these colorful novels, and they did much to shape my teen years and, I expect, the rest of my days. My opinions have shifted, as comes with my growingly critical mind. I now favor George over Jonathan, and see new depths and faults in Alanna's character development that before I blindly accepted. I now see why my friends often complained of its blatant feminism (it's to be expected - the author is a feminist!). But with the critique comes a renewed love, discovery of things first unseen, piecing together the puzzle; each character and story are a part of me, now more than before. I drink in this vivid, complex world with its rich history and culture, its own laws of science, and people with personalities and morals that are as diverse and sincere as those we meet every day. This series is permanently in my heart and on my recommendation list....more

For the most part, this is a fun feminist fantasy read. I like the heroine and the story on the whole. I could have done without the white savior subplots and the abrupt and inexplicable change in one of the main character's personalities in the 3rd book for no other reason than the author wanted the story to go in a different direction, and turning an overall pretty cool person into an absolute douchenozzle was the most convenient means to achieve that end. If I were 13, though, this would probFor the most part, this is a fun feminist fantasy read. I like the heroine and the story on the whole. I could have done without the white savior subplots and the abrupt and inexplicable change in one of the main character's personalities in the 3rd book for no other reason than the author wanted the story to go in a different direction, and turning an overall pretty cool person into an absolute douchenozzle was the most convenient means to achieve that end. If I were 13, though, this would probably be near the top of the pile of my favorite books. I don't regret the time spent reading this series....more

One day, while working at my middle school library, I stumbled across the first of this series. The fact that the girl/boy on the cover had a purple glow around her fascinated me, so I picked it up, judged it by it's cover (I was still doing that back then) and started reading.

Then I picked up books 2-4 and took them all home the next day. And zoomed through them! I couldn't believe it... this was the most amazing series I had ever read! Knights, and disguises, and coming of age, and magic andOne day, while working at my middle school library, I stumbled across the first of this series. The fact that the girl/boy on the cover had a purple glow around her fascinated me, so I picked it up, judged it by it's cover (I was still doing that back then) and started reading.

Then I picked up books 2-4 and took them all home the next day. And zoomed through them! I couldn't believe it... this was the most amazing series I had ever read! Knights, and disguises, and coming of age, and magic and romance, all in one! It was a magical world for me to escape into. And I think I'm still stuck there, 7 years later!

These days, this is my least favorite series of the Tortall books. Well, it sort of ties with Kel's series. There is just something slightly boring about knights for me now. I think I prefer magic (and justice?) in the long run! (Go Beka!!)

Of the four books, The Woman Who Rides Like A Man was my favorite, and still is. In the Hand of the Goodess is my second favorite. I love reading Alanna: First Adventure because of her disguise and all the tricks she pulls on that rude boy. But the last book? Yeah, don't like it too much. (Some how I had the same order with The Immortals quartet!)

I reread these books from time to time, and probably will for the rest of my life. I don't care that they are YA, they don't feel YA for me (except that they are over too soon!) Pierce has a great writing style, that just gets more refined with the years (see Beka Cooper's series!) ...more

I read these books when I was a kid, or at least the first two because that was all the library had. Cross-dressing to become a knight, boyfriends, horses, it was about all my 11 year old self could handle. I checked them out over and over thinking they were pretty risque, (she mentions her period). I wanted to read them again to see if they were as good as I remember, and to find out the end of the story that I have hung onto for 20 years.The answer is yes and no. They aren't quite as thick andI read these books when I was a kid, or at least the first two because that was all the library had. Cross-dressing to become a knight, boyfriends, horses, it was about all my 11 year old self could handle. I checked them out over and over thinking they were pretty risque, (she mentions her period). I wanted to read them again to see if they were as good as I remember, and to find out the end of the story that I have hung onto for 20 years.The answer is yes and no. They aren't quite as thick and thought out as the books for kids these days, plus the heroine has purple eyes. And they aren't even that romantic, the raciest line is "his arm snaked around her" woo. But, when your other option is Little House on the Prairie, they are not too bad. I'm proud of my young self for liking a heroine who dates around instead of finding her soul mate at the age of 16. Also the story is about a girl, not a boy, and a girl who goes out and fights for her life instead of whatever it is girls do in novels.So, I had decent taste for an 11 year old and I would put this on the shelf for the next 11 year old to find....more

These books (along with the Wild Magic series) were and are my favorite comfort books. Alanna is an incredible heroine! She is brave, strong, perseveres, and isn't perfect (gasp!). She's short, stocky and has a wicked temper. I love imperfect heroines, not just ones that think they are. She owns her sexuality as well and is never ever painted in a negative light because of it. In a male-dominated society, she succeeds because of her grit and determination. I reread these books every couple of moThese books (along with the Wild Magic series) were and are my favorite comfort books. Alanna is an incredible heroine! She is brave, strong, perseveres, and isn't perfect (gasp!). She's short, stocky and has a wicked temper. I love imperfect heroines, not just ones that think they are. She owns her sexuality as well and is never ever painted in a negative light because of it. In a male-dominated society, she succeeds because of her grit and determination. I reread these books every couple of months. They aren't the most complex books, but the stories and characters are wonderful. Tamora Pierce has created a fascinating society and expands upon it in future novels as well....more

I reread these this weekend after I found myself at my parents house with nothing to read. While I was at first annoyed by all the exclamation points, I quickly found myself remembering why I had so fallen in love with these books in middle school. Alanna is such a badass, a total precursor to Katniss and Katsa, and George, well, I think I'm still in love with George.

A definite thumbs up for the series that was my gateway, even before Harry Potter, into the amazingly wonderful world of lit.

I cI reread these this weekend after I found myself at my parents house with nothing to read. While I was at first annoyed by all the exclamation points, I quickly found myself remembering why I had so fallen in love with these books in middle school. Alanna is such a badass, a total precursor to Katniss and Katsa, and George, well, I think I'm still in love with George.

A definite thumbs up for the series that was my gateway, even before Harry Potter, into the amazingly wonderful world of lit.

I can't wait to see how The Immortals and Protector of the Small series have held up for me :) ...more

Review on Romance: FIVE/FIVE. This is actually a four book series I read many years back, but the romance is sooo good I just keep coming back. Enter a headstrong protagonist who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight (I am a sucker for this kind of plot line, I adore “She’s The Man” movie with Amanda Bynes for that very reason). She falls for two guys –a prince named Jonathan, and the king of thieves who is also very much her best friend and the first to find out about her secret. The seReview on Romance: FIVE/FIVE. This is actually a four book series I read many years back, but the romance is sooo good I just keep coming back. Enter a headstrong protagonist who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight (I am a sucker for this kind of plot line, I adore “She’s The Man” movie with Amanda Bynes for that very reason). She falls for two guys –a prince named Jonathan, and the king of thieves who is also very much her best friend and the first to find out about her secret. The series has the reader rooting for both, but there is something about the country drawl of the thief (“There's plenty more fish in the sea than Prince Jonathan," he told her softly. "And this particular fish loves you with all his crooked heart”) and the fact that he is truly the best fit for her that has the thief win out in the end. This series has it all –fighting dirty, knights, magic, court intrigue, romance, and war. It’s also Tamora Pierce’s first work and if you like it I strongly recommend you check out her other series set in Tortall as well!...more

Alanna: The First Adventure is the perfect book for the young teen girl. Seeing as I’m nearing my mid-twenties (no more teen demographic, sigh), my opinion might be a bit harsher.

The story is fast-paced, full of magic and knights, handsome men, thieves and animals. The female protagonist, Alanna, is —well, close to perfect: chosen by the gods, magical, pretty, martially talented, smart, stubborn, loyal and kind. The bad guy is easily predicted and the love interests also cornered down quickly. IAlanna: The First Adventure is the perfect book for the young teen girl. Seeing as I’m nearing my mid-twenties (no more teen demographic, sigh), my opinion might be a bit harsher.

The story is fast-paced, full of magic and knights, handsome men, thieves and animals. The female protagonist, Alanna, is —well, close to perfect: chosen by the gods, magical, pretty, martially talented, smart, stubborn, loyal and kind. The bad guy is easily predicted and the love interests also cornered down quickly. I don’t like overly perfect personalities, since they’re a fraud, but in this story, I don’t mind. It’s meant to be easily digestible and a fun read, which it is.

The end was weirdly rushed, and I thought it was a mistake when the novel ended. “Hmm, is this edition faulty?” But apparently, no.

This book is like a bag of candy, you know it won’t really help your fat percentage (intellect), but it’s oh so nice to chew on for a while. And psst, you just ignore the cavities breeding in your brain.

2.5-3 star rating. Right now I’m feeling thirteen again, I will be reading the next instalment.

Review of book two.(view spoiler)[Alanna's definitely a bit emotionally confused in this book. Her whole oblivious-thingy nearly drove me crazy, both with the enemy and with love. Well, I'll forgive her, she's full of hormones, is what she is.

Pretty much went at the same pace as the former instalment, though the years pass by so fast! Whoa! A 2.5-3 star rating. (hide spoiler)]

Some people disagree, but I liked the way Alanna acts in The Woman Who Rides Like a Man. A pretty mature woman, who knows herself well, even if she's unsure of what she wants in the end. It really messes me up, every time she feels alienated. Other than that, the plot felt a bit loose.

(view spoiler)[But really, I'll hate this series if she ends up with that spoiled brat, Jonathan. Really. And I've seen some people complaining about Alanna bed hopping... Really, you guys? How old-fashioned are you? Guys can fuck who they want, but girls have to remain fucking chaste? Gods. (hide spoiler)]

Review of book four.(view spoiler)[The fourth and last instalment of Song of the Lioness was something of a clusterfuck. The story was all over the place, like the previous book, with a slow pace up until the big, confusing bang in the end.

It was all wrapped up so quickly, that I had was left with a feeling of detachment from the characters, so the epilogue didn't make much of an impression either. 2 stars from me. (hide spoiler)]

The whole series gets 2.5 stars.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

I read this as an adult, so I don't think these books hold up as well if you're an adult. I think I would have really liked these books in elementary or middle school. My main problem with these books is the grammar and style aren't really polished yet and it pulls me out of the story. However, if you read Pierce's books chronologically as they were written, you'll find that her writing and characterization improves as she goes along. I adore her more current series (Circle of Magic, Protector oI read this as an adult, so I don't think these books hold up as well if you're an adult. I think I would have really liked these books in elementary or middle school. My main problem with these books is the grammar and style aren't really polished yet and it pulls me out of the story. However, if you read Pierce's books chronologically as they were written, you'll find that her writing and characterization improves as she goes along. I adore her more current series (Circle of Magic, Protector of the Small) and I'm glad I started with Protector of the Small, otherwise I would have given up on her if I started on Song of the Lioness Quartet. So if you're an adult who's never read Tamora Pierce, I'd suggest starting with Protector of the Small before deciding if you're invested enough in the setting to want to try to get to know the history that started with the Song of the Lioness Quartet. ...more

i was pleasantly surprised that i loved these books just as much as an adult as i did when i first read them as a very young teen. These books are wonderfully captivating. I love love love knights and sorcery books. I love the coming of age story that it shares of Alanna as she discovers herself while masquerading as a boy. I love the feminist points. I loved the lessons on faith and growth, even if it focused on a different religion than the one i practice. i really felt like i was on the journi was pleasantly surprised that i loved these books just as much as an adult as i did when i first read them as a very young teen. These books are wonderfully captivating. I love love love knights and sorcery books. I love the coming of age story that it shares of Alanna as she discovers herself while masquerading as a boy. I love the feminist points. I loved the lessons on faith and growth, even if it focused on a different religion than the one i practice. i really felt like i was on the journey with her. I appreciated the fact that the story mentioned sex in a tactful way, in that it wasn't graphically explained. It was mentioned as a point in the story but not dwelled on so much that it distracted from the main plot lines. ...more

3.5 stars. It's been a long time since I've read this series. I have to say, it doesn't hold up as well as some of her later books.

Maybe it's just because of the recommended age--I feel as if the Protector of the Small series as well as the Daughter of the Lioness series are for older kids, and not quite so simplistic. Just as one example, the first meeting between George Cooper and Alana is so...boring. I don't need a meet-cute, but as that George Cooper is the (view spoiler)[ King of Thieves (3.5 stars. It's been a long time since I've read this series. I have to say, it doesn't hold up as well as some of her later books.

Maybe it's just because of the recommended age--I feel as if the Protector of the Small series as well as the Daughter of the Lioness series are for older kids, and not quite so simplistic. Just as one example, the first meeting between George Cooper and Alana is so...boring. I don't need a meet-cute, but as that George Cooper is the (view spoiler)[ King of Thieves (hide spoiler)], you'd think that there would be more substance to it.

I still have fond memories of the series in general, and I look forward to reading it with my daughter.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

Song of the Lioness is one of my all-time favorite series. It is one of my staple comfort reads, and I re-read it at least once or twice a year.

Out of all of the YA authors with whom I am familiar, Tamora Pierce is the best at writing real characters. For a while now, I've seen a trend in YA lit to write "kickass" heroines. These heroines tend to be super strong one moment and a weeping mess another moment, leaving me confused as to who is the real them. When I think about a truly strong and indSong of the Lioness is one of my all-time favorite series. It is one of my staple comfort reads, and I re-read it at least once or twice a year.

Out of all of the YA authors with whom I am familiar, Tamora Pierce is the best at writing real characters. For a while now, I've seen a trend in YA lit to write "kickass" heroines. These heroines tend to be super strong one moment and a weeping mess another moment, leaving me confused as to who is the real them. When I think about a truly strong and independent heroine with some vulnerabilities, Alanna is the first heroine to come to mind (followed by Daine and Kel from Tamora Pierce's The Immortals and The Protector of the Small). Alanna is strong, independent, and courageous. When she gets picked on for being small and weak, she doesn't break down. Instead, she suffers quietly while diligently training on her own so that she can prove her strength further down the road. She is also vulnerable in that she is scared of her magic, and she is scared of her womanhood. What makes her real is that these vulnerabilities are integral to her identity. She isn't strong one moment and then her vulnerabilities are exposed the next like many of today's YA heroines. Rather, her vulnerabilities are always with her, and they are important to the plot. Alanna cannot attain true knighthood without embracing her vulnerabilities.

Song of the Lioness is Tamora Pierce's first series, so the writing and character / plot development isn't as well done as her later series. Nevertheless, these are very solid for a debut author. In particular, I want to draw attention to the world building. I love when authors take the time to draw the maps for a fantasy world and when they understand the culture and history of their fantasy worlds so well that they can really develop the world. I felt like I was traveling the world with Alanna, and I could feel the distinct change in culture when Alanna brought me with her across the borders into another nation and even when a foreigner would arrive in Tortall. Few YA fantasy novels possess this power.

Tamora Pierce also writes unique characters. It is rare nowadays to find a novel where I love the supporting cast as much as I love the heroine. George and Faithful especially. George is a paragon for chivalrous thieves, and Faithful is one of the best literary cats ever written. What makes such characters special is that, while I may be able to place them under stock character lists, they are alive. They have their unique histories and character quirks. When they take action or say something, it doesn't feel like it is because the author thought that it would be cool if they did such and such or if such a scene took place. Even if she did, the scenes flow into one another. Again, Song of the Lioness is Tamora Pierce's debut series, so some of the dialogue and action does feel forced, but I can see a pattern in them. Everything that happens builds into the plot, a plot that I very much enjoyed.

The most important takeaway from the Song of the Lioness series is that we can do whatever we set our minds on. Alanna is small and not as strong as the other pages. Instead of giving up, she works harder than everything else. When she learns that she has no talent in swordplay, she drills herself in the basics so long and so hard that her body can respond instinctively to attacks. When she is bullied, she trains herself so that she can beat a bigger boy instead of relying on her friends, who would have gladly fought in her place. In a world that isn't accepting of female knights, she fights to make a place for herself. Alanna is a young woman who never quits until she has tried as hard as she can to overcome a situation.

The Song of the Lioness series has one of my favorite heroines of all time, an exciting world of adventure, and some of the most lovable characters in YA lit. It has romance, but the romance doesn't take over the greater plot. At its heart, Song of the Lioness is a coming-of-age story in which a girl who doesn't belong makes a place of her own through sheer determination and force of will. Alanna is someone with whom I could relate growing up, and her story is one that I will continue to love even as I grow older. I will for sure share this story with my future children and anyone looking for a good book to read.

It's rare that a multi-book series makes me wish the author had written more, but that's how I feel about this one! I love the protagonist, the fact that the author doesn't shy away from at least some of the complexities of masquerading as the opposite gender, and while there are some tropes and questionable moments, overall it's a great series. I really just wish there were more of it - more detail in some areas, not skipping the months where nothing particularly notable happened, more discussiIt's rare that a multi-book series makes me wish the author had written more, but that's how I feel about this one! I love the protagonist, the fact that the author doesn't shy away from at least some of the complexities of masquerading as the opposite gender, and while there are some tropes and questionable moments, overall it's a great series. I really just wish there were more of it - more detail in some areas, not skipping the months where nothing particularly notable happened, more discussion of her training rather than an almost montage-like treatment of it. I am coming to it as an adult, so not exactly the target demographic, but it's still a good read and something I would have really, really enjoyed when I was younger....more

This is a great book series for teenaged girls and also for those of us who aren't quiet so young anymore.Harry Potter is awesome, but once again, it's a boy who takes center stage. This book series has a heroine, and a feminist one on top.

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this quartett, never mind my age. Below, I will list the things I loved and the things I did not like so much.

Positive:- Alanna is a strong heroine without being what so many authors these days try to write and fail at: a "toughThis is a great book series for teenaged girls and also for those of us who aren't quiet so young anymore.Harry Potter is awesome, but once again, it's a boy who takes center stage. This book series has a heroine, and a feminist one on top.

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this quartett, never mind my age. Below, I will list the things I loved and the things I did not like so much.

Positive:- Alanna is a strong heroine without being what so many authors these days try to write and fail at: a "tough girl"TM. She doesn't punch people in the face for looking at her funny, or uses aggressive behaviour as a landmark for strength. She simply defends herself when she is attacked or provoked, usually without going over the top.- This series does a great job of not shaming girls who like "girly" things. Alanna is a knight, but she also likes to wear dresses from time to time, when they're not inconvenient. There is nothing wrong with being a woman, and Alanna never tried to deny her sex.- I actually liked all of her love interests, at least most of the times. I will elaborate on what bothered me below. I also really liked most of the side characters, and wish Thayet had been introduced earlier.- Alanna is sex-positive. While she is initially reluctant to love, she does end up having sexual relations with three men, and no one but one mean character slut-shames her.

Negative:- The writing is a bit simplicistic, but that should have been expected considering these books were written for young adults. But names like Moonlight or Faithful for pets are odd.- The pacing is pretty weird at times, with long stretches of time being skipped and glossed over. This is probably the editor's fault since this quartet was originally supposed to be one book.- The good characters and the mean guys are pretty easy to tell apart, and there are very little surprises. Again, considering the target audience, acceptable.- Stalking is love and older guys introducing Alanna to love. Tamora Pierce herself has admitted in interviews that she would change this if she were to rewrite the series. Examples: Alanna becomes (view spoiler)[Jonathan's (hide spoiler)] squire and there is a sentence like "at day, he tought her to fight, and at night how to make love" that just really annoyed me because their power balance is really off. This is made a bit more acceptable by Alanna being pretty fierce and stubborn and never doing things she does not want.- Alanna is a bit of a Mary Sue. She does have flaws, and she is really likeable, but she's also super special, which counteracts the whole "any girl can do what boys can" argument. In Pierce's other quartet, Protector of the Small, Alanna actually says to the protagonist, the first girl to openly try for her shield, that she is more important for girls because she shows that normal girls can do it.

Overall, I really enjoyed these books and would recommend them to girls ages 12/13 and older, not due to the implied sex scenes, but because of the increasing violence after the first book. ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

For whatever reason, I picked this one up for the umpteenth time last night. It's a series of four that I've read over and over and over and over and over again since... junior high maybe? I still remember the first time I ever laid eyes on it. I was at the library just browsing, picked up the first one (which *coughs* I have on my bookshelf... shh... don't tell the library lol) and it sucked me in from the first sentence. I think if someone asked what my favorite book(s) were... I might just haFor whatever reason, I picked this one up for the umpteenth time last night. It's a series of four that I've read over and over and over and over and over again since... junior high maybe? I still remember the first time I ever laid eyes on it. I was at the library just browsing, picked up the first one (which *coughs* I have on my bookshelf... shh... don't tell the library lol) and it sucked me in from the first sentence. I think if someone asked what my favorite book(s) were... I might just have to answer with these. And no, they're no BDB, DH, R/XXX rated type books. There's magic, fighting, sorcery, friendship, warriors, and you watch Alanna grow up from the age of eleven to full grown, amazing, kick ass woman. There's a bit of a love triangle, yes... but I absolutely LOVE how Alanna is NOT your typical 'lead female character', and yet she is. Like I said, I've read this series more times than I can count... each time I find myself completely drawn into it. And even though it's labeled 'young adult', I continue to love it no matter how 'adult' I'm considered. You ought to check it out if you're in the mood for something a little different....more

I love Tamora Pierce. And Tortall. And everything about those two things. This series made me wish for a reason to need to disguise myself as a boy, haha. I really love the way she mixes mythology and fantasy, and her stories are just riveting. My favorite book in the series was Lioness Rampant, which brought the series to an absolutely thrilling climax. My least favorite was The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, which I believe I initially skipped and didn't feel like I missed much.

BooksAlanna The FiI love Tamora Pierce. And Tortall. And everything about those two things. This series made me wish for a reason to need to disguise myself as a boy, haha. I really love the way she mixes mythology and fantasy, and her stories are just riveting. My favorite book in the series was Lioness Rampant, which brought the series to an absolutely thrilling climax. My least favorite was The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, which I believe I initially skipped and didn't feel like I missed much.

I first heard about the series while I was leisurely scanning through some amazing drawings in Deviantart, and I found a beautiful drawing of King Jonathan and his Champion, Alanna of Trebond. Intrigued, I clicked the artist and scanned through some of her drawings, which was mainly composed of Tamora Pierce characters. Fueled by both my admiration for the art and curiosity for the series, I then googled about The Song of the Lioness, and I found out how it was about a girl who dressed up like aI first heard about the series while I was leisurely scanning through some amazing drawings in Deviantart, and I found a beautiful drawing of King Jonathan and his Champion, Alanna of Trebond. Intrigued, I clicked the artist and scanned through some of her drawings, which was mainly composed of Tamora Pierce characters. Fueled by both my admiration for the art and curiosity for the series, I then googled about The Song of the Lioness, and I found out how it was about a girl who dressed up like a boy in order to become a knight, and the adventures she had.

At first I was really excited to read the series, so I searched bookstores here in Manila for the Lioness Quartet. I found books 2,3 and 4 in a local bookstore, but sadly I couldn't find the first one at all. So I got a pdf file instead, and hoping it wasn't missing any important passages, I began to read Alanna: The First Adventure.

And I was disappointed. Not because the story was ugly or anything. I just felt that the author could have fleshed out the plot more, and gave more details to Alanna's page and squire years. The death of her father, for example, was only mentioned; specifics weren't given, such as how Alanna felt about it or what caused her father's death. Her years in the palace also happened a bit too fast for me, that half the time I was wondering how they had gotten here when they were just talking about it there. I did like how the fourth book showed improvement with the way the author wrote and described things, as opposed to the first book. My favorite would probably have to second, In the Hand of the Goddess, but only because I liked Jonathan and Alanna together. ;)

Alanna, the main she-ro of the book, is completely relatable. Those of us who have read Little Women and found themselves relating to Jo would love Alanna. But this time, it's set in the world of tortall. Where magic and knights co-exist together.

This series is basically Jo... wanting to join the army. But in this case, it's Alanna... and she wants to become a knight. WIth every page, you'll join her in her struggle to do it. And if you're like me-- where books turn into moving pictures in herAlanna, the main she-ro of the book, is completely relatable. Those of us who have read Little Women and found themselves relating to Jo would love Alanna. But this time, it's set in the world of tortall. Where magic and knights co-exist together.

This series is basically Jo... wanting to join the army. But in this case, it's Alanna... and she wants to become a knight. WIth every page, you'll join her in her struggle to do it. And if you're like me-- where books turn into moving pictures in her mind-- you'll love the Lioness quartet.

Honestly, this is light reading. Target audience would probably be adolescents. But I love the series!! I will read ANYTHING Tamora writes. Her characters come alive and they burn vividly in your mind as you read. You'll find yourself rooting for them and hungering for more stories.

I found, I'm not alone in asking Tamora Pierce to write more about my favorite characters in her books because I do not want things to end. And thankfully they didn't. You get to see more of Alanna in future stories. But THIS series is where everything started. ...more

If I had read these books when I was the right age, they would probably have gotten 4 or 5 stars, but I'm a little too old for them now.

These are 4 novels about Alanna of Trebond, a girl who wants to be a knight. Unfortunately, the last female knight in her country lived 100 years ago and her preoccupied father has decreed that she will be fostered out to learn to be a lady. Alanna's twin brother, Thom, forges a couple of letters and Alanna takes his place in the school for knights and Thom happIf I had read these books when I was the right age, they would probably have gotten 4 or 5 stars, but I'm a little too old for them now.

These are 4 novels about Alanna of Trebond, a girl who wants to be a knight. Unfortunately, the last female knight in her country lived 100 years ago and her preoccupied father has decreed that she will be fostered out to learn to be a lady. Alanna's twin brother, Thom, forges a couple of letters and Alanna takes his place in the school for knights and Thom happily goes off to become a sorceror. Needless to say, Alanna has to disguise herself as a boy to be accepted into the school and she forces herself to work twice as hard as the other knights-in-training to prove to herself that she's in the right place. She has lots of adventures and saves the kingdom numerous times. Along the way she learns to accept herself as both a knight and a woman and that there is still room in a knight's life for love.

The writing in these books was a little simplistic, but they are young adult books. Alanna's character struggles with the things that most girls her age stuggle with and she was a likeable character. The other characters were pretty one-dimensional, but they were described well enough that I either loved them or hated them. There weren't many I was indifferent to.

I guess I've gotten used to reading big epic fantasies, because after every battle, I was like, "Is that it? This should have gone on a lot longer." There wasn't a lot of transition. Alanna just moved from major plot point to major plot point, which can be a good thing, but I felt in this case it made the books a little choppy.

As I started reading these I kept thinking that my 9-year-old tomboy cousin would love them and I would buy them for her upcoming birthday. But as I read on and Alanna entered puberty and then started falling in love, I decided that I will wait about 5 years. I still think she'll like them, but they did get a little too adult for a 9-year-old.

Overall, these were pretty good books, and I would highly recommend them for tomboys older than about 13 or 14.

(view spoiler)[And what was the deal with Duke Roger? He came back to life? I couldn't help but feel like the author either didn't want to bother coming up with a new arch-villain, or she felt like he was such a "good" bad guy she just had to bring him back. I got a little irritated when he came back into the story line. (hide spoiler)]["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

The Song of the Lioness Quartet is an inspiring series about Alanna, the girl who became a powerful knight-sorceress by dressing as a boy for over five years and working her tail off. Tamora Pierce has written tons since then, but this was her first series and her first of four series about the land of Tortall. The series is VERY romantic with lots of adventure. If you liked Graceling, you'll love the books of the Song of the Lioness quartet. The series follows Alanna from the time she goes to cThe Song of the Lioness Quartet is an inspiring series about Alanna, the girl who became a powerful knight-sorceress by dressing as a boy for over five years and working her tail off. Tamora Pierce has written tons since then, but this was her first series and her first of four series about the land of Tortall. The series is VERY romantic with lots of adventure. If you liked Graceling, you'll love the books of the Song of the Lioness quartet. The series follows Alanna from the time she goes to court to become a squire until she is a full knight in her twenties. Books in the series include: Alanna: The First Adventure; In the Hand of the Goddess; The Woman Who Rides Like a Man; Lioness Rampant. The world that Pierce has created in these books is full and rich. Characters are fully developed and grow on the reader over time. I especially liked how Pierce handled the love triangle that emerged between three of the characters. This is an incredibly told tale that you'll probably want to reread again and again. (thanks, Gabi for recommending it!)...more

Laura GardnerNo! A teen at the library did. :) I didn't know they were her favorites...I just finished last night at 1 a.m. and am on to the Immortals series by heNo! A teen at the library did. :) I didn't know they were her favorites...I just finished last night at 1 a.m. and am on to the Immortals series by her next! I LOVED it. Have you read them, too?...more
Jul 27, 2009 06:14AM

MomI listened to them on my MP3 player. I liked them veyr much. Good messages for young girls, also.
Jul 27, 2009 06:23AM

This is what sparked my interest in reading when I was 12/13 and has always been close to my heart and made fantasy my favorite genre since.Reading back over these books now, the language seems a little jouvenile but is nevertheless still captivating and enjoyable. Tamora Pierce really knows how to build a world where you can become completely lost in. All of the other books set in Tortall and its surrounding countries have been just as if not more engrossing in some cases.

Even though these books are intended for young adults, I still reread them regularly. First read in 5th grade, these books "changed my life" as another reviewer said, showing me women can do anything including (SPOILER ALERT) become a knight or turn down a prince's proposal or defeat the gods. Well written and still a good read as an adult, everyone should encourage their young daughters to read this series!

God help me, I want to really like this series. I mean, after all, it's a girl who kicks ass and takes names, and does so as a knight.

And yet, Alanna is such a Mary-Sue that I just want to throttle her. Don't get me wrong, there are times when she's a compelling character, and then Pierce has to make her super-special and it drives me up the wall. Purple eyes? Has The Gift? I find Keladry of Mindelan, of the Protector of the Small quartet to be much more compelling and much more easy to like - sGod help me, I want to really like this series. I mean, after all, it's a girl who kicks ass and takes names, and does so as a knight.

And yet, Alanna is such a Mary-Sue that I just want to throttle her. Don't get me wrong, there are times when she's a compelling character, and then Pierce has to make her super-special and it drives me up the wall. Purple eyes? Has The Gift? I find Keladry of Mindelan, of the Protector of the Small quartet to be much more compelling and much more easy to like - she doesn't have the crutch of magic or of being unusually special to make her interesting.

That being said, Alanna is a strong female lead who definitely seems in charge of her destiny, and in the later books is much easier to read, and that's when Pierce really seems to hit her storycrafting stride. I do recommend this series, but I would recommend the Protector of the Small quartet first....more

I wish I had read these a lot sooner! I lies this series and I feel it is very underrated . I think more people should read this book and I wish it was talked about more. For those who don't know what this series is about a 10 year old girl named Alanna and she wants to become a knight. The problem is that she is a girl and girls are not aloud to be knights. So her father decides to send her away to become a lady and her twin brother a knight. So they switch places and disguises herself as a boyI wish I had read these a lot sooner! I lies this series and I feel it is very underrated . I think more people should read this book and I wish it was talked about more. For those who don't know what this series is about a 10 year old girl named Alanna and she wants to become a knight. The problem is that she is a girl and girls are not aloud to be knights. So her father decides to send her away to become a lady and her twin brother a knight. So they switch places and disguises herself as a boy and goes by the name Alan. It is so good the characters feel like real people and the romances that occur do not feel forced or fake. Alanna is a great protagonist even though she wasn't perfect she is human! Yes she was a great knight but she grows a lot over the course of the series. I can not wait to read Tamora Pierce's other series very soon....more

I wish so much I’d read this when I was younger. Alanna wants to be knight in a land where only boys get to go into training as knights. So, with the aid of a little forging and an inattentive father, she pretends to be one–at ten years of age, she becomes a page (a precedent to squire, then knight), in the place of her brother, who goes to study magic. The series follows her life from there on out.

We get to watch her as her friends discover her gender, as she attains her knighthood, as she becoI wish so much I’d read this when I was younger. Alanna wants to be knight in a land where only boys get to go into training as knights. So, with the aid of a little forging and an inattentive father, she pretends to be one–at ten years of age, she becomes a page (a precedent to squire, then knight), in the place of her brother, who goes to study magic. The series follows her life from there on out.

We get to watch her as her friends discover her gender, as she attains her knighthood, as she becomes a hero. Tamora Pierce tends to add in great secondary characters too, though Alanna leaves them for large periods of time when she’s off being her hero self. Told in a third person limited POV, following Alanna. Has a few romantic subplots.

Hey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.

I return to my regularly scheduled profile:Though I would love to join groHey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.

I return to my regularly scheduled profile:Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!

Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!

I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.

I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.

Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!...more